Abstract: Speed adjuster devices, systems, and methods are provided. The embodiments of the present invention can be used to effectively and efficiently mechanically couple components having different optimal rotational velocities. In an embodiment of the present invention, a speed adjustor device comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, and a housing. The input shaft can receive a first rotational velocity input in a first direction. The housing can receive a second rotational velocity input in a second direction such that the housing rotates relative to the input shaft. The output shaft can be coupled to the input shaft and the housing to provide an output rotational velocity. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: In a series of shafts for attachment in a bore of a receiving part, the series includes at least two different sizes, which each include different variants of shafts. The shaft has, in each instance, at least five axial regions A, B, C, D, and F, which are contiguous in the alphabetical order of the letters denoting them, and of which F has a greater outer diameter than A, B, and/or C. Included within a size are several variants of shafts, which each have different tooth constructions in region F of the shaft. Region C of the shaft is toothed or knurled. Within a first size, and at least in a first variant, the shaft does not have gear teeth in region A. In at least a second variant within the first size, the base zones of the grooves formed by the slots of the gear teeth of region F also extend at least partially into region B and/or A of the shaft.

Abstract: A range recognition apparatus for an automatic transmission. A first contact is configured to generate a first range signal during a state of a range selector being within a first region. A second contact is configured to generate a second range signal during the state of the range selector being within a second region overlapping with the first region. A controller is configured to recognize that a first gear range of the automatic transmission is selected, when the first range signal is present and the second range signal is absent; to recognize that a second gear range of the automatic transmission is selected, when the first range signal is absent and the second range signal is present; and to recognize that the first gear range is selected, when the first range signal and the second range signal are both present.

Abstract: A rack shaft is supported in an inner peripheral portion of a tubular housing of a gear housing via a rack bush. An inner peripheral portion of the rack bush is formed as a peripheral surface approximately similar to a circle in which a peripheral surface constituted by a large circular arc and a peripheral surface constituted by a small circular arc are continuously provided. The rack shaft is not in contact with the peripheral surface constituted by the large circular arc, and the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is formed as a support portion of the rack shaft. The support of the rack shaft by the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is not accomplished when a load applied to the rack shaft is nothing or low, but is accomplished when the load is high. Further, an engaging convex portion acting as a positioning and rotation prevention for the bush is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the rack bush.

Abstract: An actuator for a motor vehicle has a drive motor, an actuating element and a blocking element. The blocking element can be deflected by the actuating element, against pretensioning, into a blocking position in which the blocking element blocks further movement of the actuating element. For this deflection, the blocking element is equipped with a tappet and the actuating element is equipped with a power transmission element. The actuating element is equipped with a stop and the blocking element is equipped with an counter-stop for blocking. Before the blocking is produced, the power transmission element releases the tappet, and after release, the blocking element, driven by its pretensioning, causes its counter-stop to fall onto the stop of the actuating element in a catch position.

Abstract: A transmission equipped with a cable-type shift device comprises a control shaft to control a shift change with rotation and axial-direction movement thereof, an outer lever to be rotated by a shift-direction operation of a change lever, and a counterweight to rotate with the rotation of the control shaft, but not to move with the axial-direction movement of the control shaft. The counterweight includes first and second weight portions, an arm portion to interconnect these weight portions, and a support axis disposed so as to extend vertically. The support axis rotatably supports a substantial gravity center of the first and second weight portions and the arm portion. Accordingly, the counterweight can be supported smoothly and the shift feeling can be improved properly with a relatively small force for the select-direction operation of the change lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column height adjusting mechanism having a base body (1), a steering column guide (2) for accommodating and guiding a steering column, a steering column support (20) for supporting the steering column guide (2) pivotably relative to the base body (1), an adjusting element (3) for pivoting the steering column guide (2) relative to the base body (1), and a drive device (4) for adjusting the adjusting element (3), the drive device (4) being arranged on the base body.

Abstract: The brake cable connecting apparatus for the drum brake which ensures easy connecting operation between the brake cable and the brake lever and also ensures rigid connection therebetween, i.e., the brake cable cannot easily be disconnected from the brake lever after connected thereto. The brake cable connecting apparatus for the drum brake comprises the seating extending toward the back plate in the free end of the brake lever and the cable inserting groove formed in the seating at the back plate side. The clearance is formed between the end of the seating and the back plate to allow the inner cable to pass therethrough only when the inner cable is forcibly deformed.

Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake device for vehicles is provided with a shock absorbing member 60 on which a predetermined portion, e.g., an engaging claw 32d, except for a pole abutting portion 32e of a pole 32 is brought into abutting when a pedal arm 20 is moved from an original position to an abutting position where the engaging claw 32d of the pole 32 is brought into abutting on ratchet teeth 31a. An abutting surface 61 of the shock absorbing member 60 is formed to bring a lock mechanism 30 into the first state at least before the pedal arm 20 reaches the abutting position and to form a space between the pole abutting portion 32e and a release lever abutting portion 33a until the lock mechanism 30 is brought into the first state.

Abstract: A bicycle crank and a method of making a bicycle crank is provided. The bicycle crank has an elongated core with first and second ends, first and second inserts arranged on the ends of the core, and a high-resistance fibre coating incorporated in a plastic material matrix which forms a casing incorporating the core and the inserts. The core is a rigid element and each insert is equipped with a connecting portion inserted into a respective end of the core to establish a shape coupling therewith.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a pressure adjusting unit that controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. A housing has a heat radiating portion for radiating heat to the outside and houses the pressure adjusting unit. A first connector is so arranged as to pass through the housing and has a control circuit unit electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure adjusting unit. A second connector is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing and engages with the first connector and the heat radiating portion. The second connector is electrically connected to the control circuit unit and presses the first connector onto the heat radiating portion.

Abstract: A housing is constructed of a transmission case and an oil pan and has a space therein. A through hole passes through the transmission case. A pressure control unit is housed in the housing and controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. An internal cable is housed in the housing and is electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure control unit. An external cable is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing. A connector is arranged in such a way as to pass through the through hole and is electrically connected to the internal cable and the external cable. The connector has an external exposed portion, which is exposed outside the housing, formed in such a way as to be able to pass through the through hole.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a composition comprising silver metal particles and an additive, characterized in that the additive is a metal salt or a mixture of metal salts wherein the metal is yttrium or a metal of group 2 of the Periodic System, and wherein the composition comprises <2 atom % of the metal. Preferably, the salt is a salt of magnesium acetate. The compositions can be used to make temperature-resistant electrically-conductive silver-containing layers, for instance for use in AMLCD.

Abstract: A liquid-state reaction between a titanium molten pool and a fraction of gaseous nitrogen in an inert atmosphere creates an alloy with increased strength and hardness. A direct manufacturing technique involving rapid solidification processing is used rather than conventional casting techniques that require bulk melting of solid-state nitrided powder. By utilizing rapid solidification techniques, solubility levels can be increased resulting in alloys with unique mechanical and physical properties that are unattainable through conventional processing methods. Laser-powder deposition of titanium alloys in atmospheres of varying argon/nitrogen content produce significant strengthening without cracking in atmosphere concentrations as high as approximately 10% nitrogen. Very high hardness values indicate that this material has valuable applications as a hard face coating on titanium structures and in functionally graded materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing shingles and shingle fasteners from a roof. The apparatus comprises a frame and a driver unit coupled to the frame, the driver unit including at least one motor. The apparatus also comprises a stripping unit coupled to the driver unit, the driver unit being operative to alternately move the stripping unit between two positions. The stripping unit is adapted to lift shingles off from a roof and to extract shingle fasteners out of the roof as the stripping unit alternately moves between the two positions and the apparatus moves on the roof. The apparatus further comprises a pair of cutters coupled to the driver unit, the driver unit being operative to drive the pair of cutters.

Abstract: A hand tool aided screwdriver related to a ratchet screwdriver that allows operation in changed direction includes a handle, a ratchet holder, a socket, and a chock. The ratchet holder is inserted into a chamber in the handle. The socket is inserted into the ratchet holder. The ratchet holder is provided with an outer ratchet to engage with an inner ratchet in the chock. The chock having a hexagon outer surface to be held by an open end of a spanner to apply force together with the screwdriver in mounting or dismounting a work piece.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench and method for loosening or tightening a fastener includes a handle member having a fixed jaw segment, a substantially transverse channel therethrough, and a void in communication with the channel. Also, a movable jaw member having a serrated toothed rack that is slidably engaged within the channel. In addition, a beam that is slidably engaged within the void, the beam including a toothed rack that selectably matably engages with the movable jaw toothed rack to help secure the jaw in position. Finally, included is a trigger member that is pivotally attached to the movable jaw member and is slidably engaged with the handle member, the trigger facilitates manual movement of the movable jaw from the closed state to the open state and vice versa, when the movable jaw toothed rack and the beam toothed rack are selectively disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a detachable handle assembly for providing a mechanical device capable of utilization in securing and un-securing a work attachment, such as a blade or bit, to a hand-tool. The assembly includes a body portion for grasping, when implemented as an auxiliary handle for a hand-tool such as a power tool or a pneumatic tool.

Abstract: A leverage handle tool includes a handle and a seat block. In use, a slot in the seat block is located upon a handle such as a vice handle, and the tool is pulled toward the handle end. As the tool is pulled toward the handle end the slot grips the handle due to the frusto-conical configuration thereof. The tool may then be acted upon such that the tool increase the leverage upon handle.

Abstract: An attachment for drivers of screw type fasteners for releasably holding the fastener in place at the end thereof for inserting or removing. The attachment comprises a shaft collar, a spring, and a grasper, the grasper comprising an upper and a lower guide ferrule, joined concentrically by a pair of supports, and extending parallel from the lower ferrule a plurality of flexible fingers, each having at its distal end an inward facing detent that is substantially fulcrum shaped. The collar and spring are inserted between the ferrules, with the collar abutting the upper, the spring abutting the lower and the collar. A driver is inserted through the ferrules, collar, and spring until the tip is just shy of the detents, and the collar is then affixed to the driver shaft. A screw head is forced past the detents, the fingers yielding, and brought into proper contact with the driver tip, the fingers flexing back such that the detents hold the screw firmly to the driver.

Abstract: A storage kit for hex keys includes a barrel having one end provided with multiple blind holes each adapted with a channel to hold a hex key to help apply torque as a handle; and a cap holding hex keys together in the barrel to be pulled out of or inserted into the barrel at the same time; channel by; and another end of barrel having multiple insertion holes to store tips of other hand tools such as a screwdriver for the kit to function as the handle of the screwdriver.

Abstract: An indexible turning tool for chip forming machining, includes a holder equipped with insert pockets receiving replaceable inserts, as well as a securing portion intended to be received in a tool machine. At least one of the replaceable inserts has a main plane that extends laterally in relation to the tool's axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing loaves of bread comprising: a housing; a reciprocating cutting blade assembly 7 mounted within the housing, an angled table for the movement of loaves towards the reciprocating cutting blade assembly 7; and a means for feeding loaves 6 along the angled table to the cutting blade assembly 7, the housing having an opening for the introduction of loaves on the angled table and a gate 8 for restricting access to the cutting blade assembly 7 through the opening.

Abstract: An inserter input system including a web feeder providing a web of printed material to be split by a web slitting knife along the web's direction of travel. The split web is then cut transverse to the direction of travel by a rotary cutter operating at a first velocity, resulting in side-by-side individual sheets. Downstream of the rotary cutter, a right angle turn mechanism receives each of the side-by-side sheets and reorients them by ninety degrees. Further the right angle turn reorients the sheets into a serial shingled arrangement. A high speed separation nip pulls individual shingled sheets out from the shingled arrangement. The speed of the separation nip is such that a predetermined gap between the previously shingled sheets is formed.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting shrink wrap film residing in a roll. The apparatus includes a first roller pair receiving the film from the roll and carrying the film away from the roll; a second roller pair receiving the sheet of film from the first roller pair and carrying the film away from the first roller pair; a mechanism for providing an air stream to direct the leading edge of the film into the second roller pair; a mechanism for regulating the pressure exerted by the second roller pair against the sheet of film to maintain tension on the film between the first roller pair and the second roller pair; and a rotating blade to cut the film as the film exits the first roller pair, thereby producing a cut sheet of film. The apparatus may also include intermediate supports to prevent roller deflection, thus allowing the use of light-weight rollers to minimize inertia.

Abstract: A table saw including a base, a main table supported by the base, first and second rails attached to the table, a sliding table fixedly attached to the rails and sliding along the longitudinal axis of the rails and a cross-cut table slidably movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. The cross-cut table may be adjusted to ensure movement parallel to a blade protruding from the main table. An improved miter gauge assembly is also disclosed. An improved fence assembly is further disclosed herein. In addition, a table saw having an improved panel and leg construction is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A cutting machine 10 includes an upper blade 12A and a lower blade 12B installed at upper and lower positions, and resilient members 19A, 19B installed on both sides of the blades and protruding more than the blades for supporting a hard plastic sheet 7 during cutting. The resilient members installed on both sides of either of the upper and lower blades include a resilient member at a section near the blade and a resilient member at a section far from the blade, and the hardness of the resilient member at a section near the blade is different from the hardness of the resilient member at a section far from the blade.

Abstract: The device comprises a path for the web material (N) and, along said path, at least one cutting unit (7A). The cutting unit comprises: a plurality of intermediate disk-shaped blades (9A) disposed on one side of the feed path of the material, which can be positioned transversely to the direction of feed and cooperating with a fixed counter-blade (33A) disposed on the opposite side of said path. Also provided are two lateral disk-shaped blades (10A) to cut the trimmings; and a member for transverse positioning of the blades. The two lateral blades each cooperate with a respective movable counter-blade (71A), separate from the fixed counter-blade, which can be positioned transversely to the direction of feed of the web material.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting shrink wrap film residing in a roll. The apparatus includes a first roller pair receiving the film from the roll and carrying the film away from the roll; without the need for a second roller pair to receive the cut sheet of film. Film snap-back is prevented by cutting the film between a shear deck with teeth and a rotating blade with teeth intermeshing with the teeth of the shear deck. A method for cutting a sheet of shrink wrap film, including: feeding the film into a first roller pair; and cutting the film between the first roller pair and the second roller pair using a rotating knife with a number of teeth intermeshing with a shear bar with teeth.

Abstract: A device has a base which supports a rotatable table. The device includes a three position locking system. The first position locks the table to the base, the second position releasably locks the table to the base and the third position permits free rotation of the table on the base. A lever assembly and locking rod move a locking spring into the three positions.

Abstract: A table saw allows a user to operate the table saw through a graphical user interface communicatively coupled with a non-contact measurement and alignment device. The graphical user interface correlates user engageable selectors with a logically related menu of table saw setting options displayed on a display screen in a high quality and easily readable format. The non-contact measurement and alignment device uses one or more lasers to determine table saw settings and establish proper alignment based on user needs.

Abstract: A tool guiding device including a base frame and guiding rails arranged on the base frame so that they are parallel in relation to each other. At least one carriage having a machining tool is guided on the guiding rails in a linearly displaceable manner by a drive device with a carriage connecting element. The tool guiding device of this invention guides the tool in a precise, non-abrasive manner. Thus, the carriage is coupled to the carriage connection by a compensation device including at least one angle compensating element and at least one lateral compensating element.

Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.

Abstract: A food holder or pusher for use with a manual food slicing device having a plurality of nested sections including a base section equipped with a food reservoir and a plunger section equipped with a grip surface having two finger receptacles that are provided to prevent a user's hand from inadvertently slipping off of the grip surface and onto the slicing device.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, for use with a punching press for punching holes in workpieces. A punch body is provided, elongated in an axial direction. A first punch head is formed on an end of the punch body, and has a first radial diameter, perpendicular to the axial direction. A second punch head has a second radial diameter, also perpendicular to the axial direction. The second punch head is substantially spaced from the first punch head. A neck is formed between the first and second punch heads, having a uniformly tapered diameter less than the first and second radial diameters.

Abstract: An easily adjustable food slicer for cutting various foods having a frame with a sloped cutting surface that is equipped with interchangeable cutting blades that face a selectively positioned primary ramp that is pivotally joined to the frame opposite the location of the blades. The ramp is removable and has a non-abrasive, smooth surface that can be raised or lowered by the use of an infinitely-adjustable cam. The cam has a knob located on a side surface of the frame and can be adjusted at anytime before and during a process allowing a user to vary the thickness of the slice of food. Also provided is an alternative secondary ramp with an abrasive, grating surface for grating food that can be installed after removal of the primary ramp.

Abstract: A music box gearing with an integrated music box mechanism incorporates a main drive pinion for revolving units that also has a catch for securing the revolving unit. A music box casing incorporates a gear unit consisting at least of an adapter capable of attaching to the catch, a carrier rigidly connected with the adapter, at least one shaft mounted in the carrier, and a wheel rigidly connected with the shaft. A ring is immovably fixed in the casing in contact with the wheel, a revolving plate is rigidly connected with the adapter and carrier, and the plate incorporates a recess for the shaft, wherein the shaft executes a motion deviating from the parameters of the main drive pinion.

Abstract: A string chord player for a string instrument such as a guitar designed to be surroundably mounted onto the neck of the guitar. The string chord player includes an upper housing configured to mate with a lower housing forming an opening for receipt therein of a neck of a guitar. Integrally mounted to the upper housing is a plurality of buttons with outwardly facing chord designations. Opposite the chord designations is a string engagement portion of the button that when the button is placed into a second position will temporarily engage the adjacent longitudinally mounted strings on the neck of the guitar.

Abstract: A universal mount for acoustically coupling a musical instrument tuner to an instrument has a link connected to the tuner at one end, the link adapted and arranged to be repositionable, and a clamp connected to the other end of the link for acoustically attaching the tuner and link to the musical instrument.

Abstract: A percussion instrument muting apparatus that dampens the volume or tone from a drum. The apparatus is mounted within a drum, and the muting level can be adjusted with a tube that extends from the muting assembly out an existing breather hole, and to an adjustment bulb. The muting assembly is an expandable or inflatable bladder that makes contact with a portion of the drumhead or drum skin when the drum is played.

Abstract: An improved tambourine of the type having a frame being arcuate-shaped and including a center of gravity, a pair of rims, and a grasping portion disposed at or near the center of gravity of the frame so as to allow comfortable holding for long periods of time, and a plurality of jingle members being affixed to the frame. The improvement includes an electronic sound pick-up apparatus. The electronic sound pick-up apparatus is either an amplifier pick-up or a midi pick-up. The amplifier pick-up is disposed in the frame, opposite the grasping portion, and the midi pick-up is disposed on the pair of rims of the frame, to a side of the grasping portion. The improvement further includes soft pad beading covering the pair of rims of the frame.

Abstract: A teaching aid for instructing proper finger position on a “fret-less” stringed instrument (for example, violin, viola, cello, bass) comprises a template that is positioned along the fingerboard at the proper finger position location (i.e., “first position”) for the first four half-steps associated with each string. A set of raised, “Braille-like” features is formed as a grid pattern on the surface of the template, with each row of features associated with each tone half step. Each “row” contains a set of three raised features—a separate feature located between an adjacent pair of strings. Once the template is properly positioned, the raised features are pressed out of the template and transferred to adhere to the fingerboard. By locating the raised features between the strings, the teaching aid does not interfere with sound quality or the ability to induce vibrato to the playing, while still providing a tactile clue for the proper note location for intonation purposes.

Abstract: A laser apparatus for a musical instrument, such as a guitar, is adapted to mount to the instrument and generate laser beams for illuminating selected portions of the instrument during a performance. The apparatus includes a positioning assembly for fixably adjusting the angular orientation of each of the laser beams. The laser apparatus is also capable of being adapted for use with a wide variety of different instruments.

Abstract: Systems (100 or 300) and methods (400 or 500) are provided for selecting a post-compression waveform from a post-compression waveform table (106) and supplying it to a synthesis engine (108). The post-compression waveform is based upon a set of post-compression coefficients determined by generating a frequency-domain representation of a periodic signal, the representation including at least one pre-compression frequency-domain sample (204), and performing a threshold-based compression of the pre-compression frequency-domain samples. Systems and methods also include indexing and storing (502) post-compression coefficients in a post-compression coefficient table (102), generating (506) a post-compression waveform based upon the set of post-compression coefficients, and placing (508) the post-compression waveform in the table prior to the selecting (510).

Abstract: In order to implement the melody extraction or the automatic clearly more stable or to improve the transcription result, respectively, at the resulting segments or trajectories, respectively, of a melody line gained from a spectrogram of the audio signal a harmony mapping is performed such that a follower segment directly neighboring a reference segment in time direction is virtually shifted in the frequency direction by stages of octave, fifth and/or third in order to examine whether among the resulting lines of the octave, fifth and/or third there is one that fulfills a predetermined condition, like e.g. that the time/spectral representation along this line comprises a minimum which is larger by a certain factor than a minimum that it comprises along the reference segment line, and, if such a line exists, selects the same and actually performs the shifting of the follower segment. This way, errors in melody line determination may be corrected again.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is configured to store music data including performance data on a plurality of tracks and receive designation of a track or tracks so that when a test-listen button for receiving instruction of test-listen of the designated track(s) is pressed, the electronic musical instrument plays the performance data on the designated track(s) among the music data and plays the performance data on the other tracks at a volume lower than the volume of the designated track(s).

Abstract: A method for determining the key of an audio signal such as a music track. Portions (106) of the audio signal are analysed (104) to identify (108) a musical note and its associated strength (110) within each portion. Some notes identified in a portion may be ignored (118) to enable notes related to the key to be more readily distinguished. A first note is then determined (124) from the identified musical notes as a function of their respective strengths. From the identified musical notes, at least two further notes are selected (128) as a function of the first note. The key of the audio signal is then determined (130) based on a comparison of the respective strengths of the selected notes.

Abstract: The finding of the present invention is that the melody extraction or automatic transcription may be implemented clearly more stable and if applicable even less expensive when the assumption is considered sufficiently that the main melody is the portion of a piece of music which man perceives the loudest and the most precise. Regarding this, according to the present invention the time/spectral representation or the spectrogram of an interesting audio signal is scaled using the curves of equal volume reflecting human volume perception in order to determine the melody of the audio signal on the basis of the resulting perception-related time/spectral representation.

Abstract: Reverberation parameters for one or more positions of interest are derived from graphics data used for displaying a computer-generated environment. For each position of interest for which reverberation parameters are desired, environmental parameters including distances and the hardness of features in a range of interest and at points on cubemap faces are automatically determined from the graphics data. The environmental parameters are stored with the graphics data and associated with each position of interest. Upon rendering of the computer-generated environment, reverberation property set values usable by a reverberation engine are calculated or interpolated between predetermined values according to the environmental parameters.

Abstract: An encoded rhythmic pattern has several groups of velocity values, wherein the velocity values are sorted, such that the groups are included in sequence in an encoded rhythmic pattern. Now, the velocity values concentrated at the beginning of the encoded rhythmic pattern have a higher importance for characterizing the rhythmic gist of a piece of music than velocity values included in additional groups of velocity values. By using such an encoded rhythmic pattern, an efficient database access can be performed.